Preview: Germany vs. Costa Rica

By: WC Bob | June 7th, 2006 | 3 Comments »

GAME DETAILS
Germany vs. Costa Rica, Munich, 18:00 CET

THE BIG PICTURE
After four years, the wait is finally over. The host nation of Germany gets the party started against the Ticos of Costa Rica. Many questions remain whether this German team has what it takes to lift the trophy on July 9. We should learn more after tonight’s game against a Costa Rica side that has struggled in the run-up to World Cup. Munich serves as the setting for a game the entire world will be watching. Germany will be without captain Michael Ballack who is out with a calf injury.

Teams: Likely formation; shirt numbers, name, caps, goals:

Germany (4-4-2): 1-Jens Lehmann (32-0); 3-Arne Friedrich (36-0), 21-Christoph Metzelder (22-0), 17-Per Mertesacker (23-1), 16-Phillip Lahm (18-1); 18-Bernd Schneider (64-1), 8-Torsten Frings (52-7), 18-Tim Borowski, 7-Bastian Schweinsteiger (28-7); 20-Lukas Podolski (25-12), 11-Miroslav Klose (25-12) Coach: Juergen Klinsmann

Costa Rica (3-5-2): 18-Jose Francisco Porras (16-0); 4-Michael Umana (18-0), 3-Luis Marin (120-5), 12-Leonardo Gonzalez (36-0); 20-Douglas Sequeira (29-2), 5-Gilberto Martinez (57-0), 8-Mauricio Solis (107-6), 10-Walter Centeno (93-15), 6-Danny Fonseca (22-2); 11-Ronald Gomez (80-23), 9-Paulo Wanchope (69-43) Coach: Alexandre Guimaraes

THE BOTTOM LINE
Bob sez: Germany 15-2
Nick sez: Germany 2-0
Sean sez: Germany 3-0
Peter sez: Costa Rica 1-0
Chris sez: Germany 1-0

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LIVEBLOG
Follow the match highlights as they happen on the Germany vs. Costa Rica LiveBlog and stop by to leave your thoughts and comments about the match

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IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS

Costa Rica

Costa Rica have won their opening matches at both their previous World Cups beating Scotland 1-0 in 1990 and China 2-0 in 2002.

Costa Rica is called the “Switzerland of the America’s” for its lack of military and neutral stand in most conflicts; the mountainous terrain and the roughly equal size also lend credibility to the comparison.

Capital City San Jose is called “The Big Pineapple” because its streets are laid out in the shape of a pineapple.

30 percent of Costa Rica’s land is environmentally protected.

Costa Rica Team Blog
Team roster
Buy a Costa Rica jersey to support the team

Germany

Germany have never lost a competitive match against a team from North or Central America

Germany’s total economic output ranks third in the world.

The term “Deutsch” was first used in the 8th century and means “as the people speak.”

July is Berlin’s rainiest month.

Germany Team Blog
Team Roster
Buy a Germany jersey to support the team

TEAM BLOGS & DISCUSSIONS
Germany Team Blog
Costa Rica Team Blog